We are overjoyed to share some incredible news that marks a turning point in our mission to serve and uplift vulnerable youth and families in our community. Loving Hands Children’s Home has been generously funded by the Amity Foundation and the Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department—a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to education, healing, empowerment, and hope.

This extraordinary opportunity empowers us to expand our work in meaningful ways. With this support, we can now:
• Provide high-quality care and meaningful experiences to medically fragile foster youth, giving them the love, attention, and therapeutic support they deserve.
• Equip Los Angeles County youth aging out of foster care with essential independent living skills, preparing them for a confident and successful transition into adulthood.
• Restore our Sanctuary space, including our beloved Edible Forest and Therapy Animal Sanctuary, making it a peaceful, healing, and interactive sensory environment for the children and families we serve.
• Host enriching community events and healing activities that bring people together, relieve stress, build confidence, and create lasting bonds in a safe, welcoming space.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Amity Foundation and the LA County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department for believing in our vision. Their support affirms the importance of holistic, community-rooted care—and it ensures that children and youth who face overwhelming challenges are not only supported but celebrated.

Together, we are creating a place where healing happens, where futures are shaped, and where love is always at the center. We look forward to sharing this journey with all of you as we grow, rebuild, and continue to serve with open hearts and open hands.

With love and thanks,
The Loving Hands Children’s Home Team

Our Sizzling Cinco de Mayo Cooking Class!

We turned up the heat (and the joy) at Loving Hands Children’s Home during our Cinco de Mayo Cooking Class — and what a flavorful fiesta it was!
Spice, Smiles & Sabor — Our Cinco de Mayo Cooking Class Was a Hit!
Things were muy caliente at Loving Hands Children’s Home as we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a delicious hands-on cooking adventure! 🌮🔥

From mixing up zesty guacamole 🥑 to learning the magic behind homemade tortillas, our youth rolled up their sleeves and dove into a hands-on cultural experience full of flavor, laughter, and learning. We explored traditions, built teamwork, and created delicious memories — one bite at a time!

Together, we stirred up more than just tasty bites — we stirred up fun, confidence, and cultural pride!

The recipe for success included:

• Boosted kitchen confidence 👨‍🍳
• Cultural appreciation & connection ❤️
• Learning math + motor skills through measuring & mixing 📏✋
• And best of all… smiles as big as our tacos! 😄🌮

Huge gracias to our amazing volunteers and little chefs who made it unforgettable. Stay tuned — our next cooking adventure is just around the corner!

Our Safety During the Palisades Fire: A Story of Community and Heroes

The Palisades Fire was one of the most terrifying and challenging experiences we have ever faced. As the flames crept closer, we were placed under an evacuation order—but there was nowhere to go that could safely house all of us. Splitting up was not an option. The children in our care had already endured so much—loss, trauma, and separation. We could not allow them to face another moment of uncertainty, another disruption to the bonds they had fought so hard to rebuild.

With no clear path forward, we made the difficult decision to shelter in place until there was absolutely no other choice. We could not leave without ensuring the safety of everyone—our Loving Hands Family and the animals who depend on us.

And then, something incredible happened.

Our community stepped in!

Neighbors and volunteers showed up each morning and evening to help hose down the property, keeping it as safe as possible while closely tracking the fire’s unpredictable movements. Even as we waited on a placement list for emergency housing, our community refused to let us face this disaster alone.

Through the kindness of generous donors, we were able to secure shelter for our beloved animals. The Always Love Sanctuary and The LA Equestrian Center in Burbank opened their doors to them, offering them the love, comfort, and safety they deserved. Words cannot fully capture how much this meant to us. OUR COMMUNITY MADE THAT HAPPEN! These animals are not just pets—they are family. 

For five days, our power was shut off to prevent electrical fires, leaving us in darkness and uncertainty. The children were frightened, and fear threatened to take hold—but we refused to let it win. Instead, we turned hardship into adventure, building mini forts in the living spaces and creating an indoor campout. With solar lanterns, storytime, and group games, we wrapped them in joy and security, shielding them as best we could from the fear we ourselves were battling.

But then, as food began to spoil, another wave of despair set in. With military guards enforcing the shelter-in-place order, we were unable to leave for fresh food, formula, diapers, wipes, or even water. The weight of helplessness pressed against our chests—until our community lifted it off of us.

With unwavering love, compassion and generosity, you stepped in. You made sure the babies  and children in our care were fed having healthy meals and snacks, had warm blankets during those cold nights, toys, batteries for flashlights and that we had what we needed to survive. We extend a gratitude so deep that words will never truly be enough.

You are not just supporters—you are family. 🩷

Your kindness was the light that guided us through our darkest moments. When uncertainty loomed over us, you gave us safety. When fear took hold, you gave us peace. When despair threatened to break us, you reminded us that we were never alone.

Because of you, we made it through. Because of you, we no longer had to worry about the little ones who depend on us. Because of you, devastation turned into relief, fear into hope, and hardship into an unforgettable reminder of the goodness in this world.

You are more than donors. YOU ARER HEROES! 🦸🏾‍♀️🦸‍♂️🦸🏻

Your love was present in every meal, every moment of comfort, every deep breath we were finally able to take. And we will never, ever forget it.

From the depths of our hearts and souls, thank you. We will carry your kindness with us, always.

With endless love and gratitude, 🪴

The Loving Hands Family

Spreading Holiday Magic: A Joyful Partnership with The Everest Foundation & Various Community Partners! 🎁🎄✨

The holidays should be a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness, but for many children in foster care, underserved communities, and struggling families, this season can be a painful reminder of loss, hardship, and uncertainty. Some have never decorated a tree, sang songs celebrating the Menorah, honored the festivities of Kwanzaa, unwrapped a present, or experienced the simple magic of a holiday celebration.

That’s why Loving Hands Children’s Home partnered with various community members and partners like The Everest Foundation, The Amity Foundation and LACJCOD to bring hope, joy, and unforgettable holiday memories to children who need it most!

🎅🏾✨ Creating Holiday Magic ✨🎅

Together, we filled the season with laughter, gifts, festive meals, and holiday cheer—giving these incredible children a chance to experience the magic of the holidays, many for the first time! From decorating cookies and meeting Santa to receiving heartfelt gifts chosen just for them, every moment was filled with love and belonging.

🎁 More Than Just Presents—We’re Giving Memories 🎁

For children facing difficult family circumstances, these experiences are more than just fun—they are a lifeline of joy and hope. They show these children that they are loved, valued, and never forgotten. By creating beautiful holiday memories, we are helping them build a foundation of love, security, and happiness that they will carry for years to come.

💖 Thank You,Friends! 💖

We are beyond grateful to The Everest Foundation, Amity Foundation, LACJCOD and Community partners that donated for their generosity and commitment to making this season bright. Your partnership helped turn fear and  loneliness into laughter, hardship into happiness, and uncertainty into cherished memories.

✨ Together, we are not just celebrating the holidays—we are building childhoods full of love and joy! ✨

📸 See the magic in action! 

💡 Want to help make a difference? Visit LovingHandsChildrensHome.org to support our mission and bring joy to even more children!

LHCH Spreading Holiday Cheer: A Heartwarming Food Drive Giveaway w/ PennyLane Centers! 🎁🍽️✨

This holiday season, Loving Hands Children’s Home teamed up with PennyLane Centers to bring joy, nourishment, and community spirit to youth and families through our Holiday Food Drive Giveaway!

🍁 ✨ A Celebration of Giving & Togetherness ✨ 🍁

With the help of our incredible board, volunteers and partners, we filled baskets and hearts with fresh food, pantry staples, and holiday treats—ensuring that every family could create a warm, delicious meal and make beautiful holiday memories together.

From Gift cards for protein and fresh produce to festive treats and essential resources, we were honored to provide families with the ingredients for comfort, connection, and joy during this special time of year.

🦃 Why This Matters 🦃

The holidays can be a challenging time for many families, but no one should have to worry about their next meal—especially during a season meant for love, gratitude, and togetherness. By coming together as a community, we helped turn stress into smiles and hardship into hope.

🙌🏾Thank You to Our Supporters! 🙌🏾

A huge thank you to PennyLane Centers, our volunteers, donors, and community members who made this possible. Your kindness and generosity continue to make a real, lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

✨ Together, we are not just giving food—we are sharing love, hope, and the true spirit of the holidays! ✨

📸 See the joy and gratitude in action!

💡 Want to support future community events? Visit LovingHandsChildrensHome.org to donate, volunteer, or get involved!